Hen and Chickens Islands
Exceptional diving experience for enthusiasts seeking adventure in pristine waters.
Hen and Chicken Islands: A Diver's Treasure in New Zealand Waters
Nestled off the eastern coast of Northland, approximately 20 kilometres east of Waipu Cove, the Hen and Chicken Islands (Taranga and Marotere Islands) offer an exceptional diving experience for enthusiasts seeking adventure in pristine waters. This captivating archipelago provides some of New Zealand’s most exciting diving opportunities in a relatively accessible location.
The Hen and Chicken Islands represent an ideal addition to your diving portfolio, offering accessibility combined with exceptional diving experiences. Just a short journey from the mainland, these islands provide remarkable underwater adventures without requiring extensive travel time. From beginners enjoying their first reef experience to advanced divers exploring deep walls, the Hen and Chicken Islands deliver unforgettable New Zealand diving memories in a pristine natural setting.
Underwater Marvels
The Hen and Chicken Islands boast remarkable diving features:
- Crystal-clear waters with visibility regularly exceeding 15-20 meters
- Dramatic underwater topography, including walls, pinnacles, and boulder fields
- Complex reef systems with vibrant marine growth
- Fascinating underwater caves and swim-throughs
- Sheltered sites suitable for various experience levels
- Rich marine ecosystem
Hen and Chickens Islands
Remarkable underwater adventures without requiring extensive travel time
Protected Status
The islands’ protected status and somewhat remoteness have fostered a higher abundance of marine life than most coastal areas:
- Dense schools of blue maomao, demoiselles, and trevally
- Large populations of snapper and kingfish
- Regular encounters with eagle rays and stingrays
- Diverse macro life for photography enthusiasts
- Occasional visits from bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and orcas
Several World-Class Diving Locations
There locations include:
- Hen Island’s (Taranga) impressive wall dives and kelp forests
- Sail Rock’s unique underwater topography and strong currents attract pelagics
- The Chicks’ (Marotere Islands) sheltered bays are perfect for divers of all abilities
- Numerous unexplored sites offer new discoveries
- Conservation Significance
More to Experience
When not underwater, you can enjoy:
- Bird-watching opportunities with numerous rare species
- Stunning volcanic landscapes and rugged coastlines
Eco-Conscious Adventure
We love and support:
- Crucial seabird nesting grounds
- Recovery area for native plant species
- A living example of successful conservation efforts
- Complete experience
Ready to explore Hen and Chickens Islands?
Exploring Hen and Chickens Islands with us
Local Knowledge
We know these waters inside out, from marine life to local history, and love sharing stories that make the journey unforgettable.
Small Groups, More Connections
No crowds, no rush. Just space to relax, enjoy, and truly take in the experience.
Comfort and Care Onboard
Step onto our modern 2024 Stabicraft, complete with hot drinks, a friendly crew, and plenty of comfort for a smooth day on the water.
Access to Extraordinary Places
From Great Barrier Island to Whangaroa Harbour, we’ll take you to stunning spots most operators don’t reach.
Safety First
With Maritime NZ certification, top navigation gear, and decades of experience, you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands.
Eco-conscious Adventures
Every charter is run with the environment in mind, because protecting the ocean we love is non-negotiable.
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Our customers say…
Sven Franklin
Australia
Had an amazing time out with Blair. He really knows his spots and put us all on to kings! Was an amazing day and easily the best dive I’ve had for the whole of 2017!
Max Schofield
New Zealand
Great boat for getting (quickly) to Great Barrier and the Mokohinaus. Last trip we came up from Wellington stayed locally and Blair really looked after us, including weights.
Gray Bidgood
New Zealand
I have been on three charters with Blair, and will definitely be going on more! He put me onto my first of a bunch of species including Kingfish, Snapper, Trevally, Boarfish and more! No matter the conditions he had a spot to go dive and see awesome territory and fish life.
Hayden Dorman
New Zealand
As a beginner at spearfishing I took my first ever boat trip out with blair an was a epic day.. Blair has great knowledge on selecting spots an also helping with tips and hunting techniques. A very comfortable boat even with a full charter.. Blair runs a awesome friendly trip an do recommend to spearos of any experience always a memorable day.
Esther Stuck
New Zealand
Ocean diversity is a fantastic spearfishing charter! I really enjoyed the couple of times Blair took us out, he is an awesome guide and really knows his stuff. Blair took us to some great spots, and knew when the fish was "on"! We came home with a great haul and even scored a crayfish on our first trip out! Would highly recommend this charter with the pleasure of having a friendly, knowledgeable skipper.
Scott Walker
New Zealand
Blair runs a great charter, and knows the spots, times and tides to pick up great fish. Can't wait to get back out with Oceandiversity.
Wendy
New Zealand
Recently we took a morning boating trip with OceanDIVEsity, departing Marsden Cove, out to the Hen and Chicken Islands off the coast of Bream Bay. We had a great morning. Only six people on board plus Blair and he took us to some really superb places to snorkel.
